Looking for the top 10 reasons to visit Tunisia?
A place for romantics, beach lovers, barterers, and explorers; a land teeming with souks and spices amid desert sands. Here are my top five reasons for visiting Tunisia on your next vacation. Tunisia trips entice and excite many individuals for a variety of reasons.
You probably wouldn’t know where to begin if someone handed you a map and asked you to find Tunisia. The nation, which is near the northernmost point of Africa, is a little, modest wedge that is home to numerous people. It’s about time modern tourists explored what the nation has to offer with a culture blended with the remains of settlers from Europe and Asia. By the end of this post, you’ll know all about visiting Tunisia and the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tunisia.
The location, which looks out over the Mediterranean Sea, and the mild weather make it a year-round destination. The seasons are pleasant with sunny winters, rich foliage in the spring, and rarely exceedingly hot summers. The country also offers a diversity of landscapes to explore and a wide range of enjoyable activities due to its proximity to both sand and sea. Try thalassotherapy in the seawater baths along the 575 km of coastline or go quad biking across the Grand Erg Oriental’s shifting sand dunes.
Despite the fact that Islam is the official religion of the country, there are typically no social or dress codes for visitors, with the exception of extremely conservative neighborhoods like Tunis’s Medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Alcohol is also readily available in bars, hotels, and resorts, even during religious holidays like Ramadan. With equal possibilities and status for women, the nation is without a doubt one of the most progressive in the region.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tunisia.
Tunisia’s water and stunning Mediterranean beaches draw the majority of sunbathers. There is enough golden sand for everyone, so they never feel overly congested. The length of Tunisia’s coastline is 1,148 kilometres!
1- Tunisian beaches
The Tunisian coast welcomes you with stunning blue sea, pristine sand, comfortable temperatures, and nearly deserted beaches. In the tourist regions, there are several hotels with private beaches complete with sun loungers, umbrellas, and bars. No matter how busy the hotel is, you almost never see a beach as crowded as you see in most other popular tourist destinations. Without the crowds, you may spend hours relaxing in the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean. There are a lot of kilometers on the unpopulated coastline where you may enjoy your own little stretch of heaven if you are fortunate enough to be able to leave the all-inclusive resorts.
The Cap Bon Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. In Djerba, you may also indulge in some fantastic swimming (two famous beaches are Sidi Mahrez and Seguia). The beaches in Tunisia are shockingly long and broad. The beach is around 35 km long north of Sousse, and it can extend up to 50 km (! ), near Nabeul.
Hammamet beach is probably the most famous beach in Tunisia as well as the best one. The town of Hammamet is a charming, low-stress location that is all about the beach and is only a one-hour drive from Tunis, the country’s capital. One of Tunisia’s most well-known beaches, Hammamet’s magnificent lengths of fine white sand are bathed in mild seas and home to an incredible diversity of marine life. The most ideal location for a holiday packed with snorkelling and scuba diving is Hammamet beach because of the magnificent underwater environment there.
2- Tunisian cuisine
Tunisia boasts a vast variety of delectable traditional foods that are a mix of its North African herbs and spices, French ancestry, and proximity to Italy. The most well-liked and commonly consumed traditional cuisine is without a doubt couscous. If that’s not your thing, there are a tonne of other delectable goodies to whet your appetite.
Brik, a tiny filo pastry with an egg, tuna, and parsley filling that is then perfectly cooked, is a popular favourite. Another one of my particular favourites is slata mouchwaya, which combines grilled tomato and fil-fil peppers with unique herbs and spices to make a thick dip that is best enjoyed with a soft, fresh baguette.
Fricasse, a delectable savoury doughnut loaded with tuna, harissa, and eggs, is a must-try when exploring La Marsa Plage. A broad selection of delectable tomato-based pasta dishes, kebab-style sandwiches, fresh mint teas, and Turkish coffee are also available. Expect not to wear the same size pants after leaving Tunisia.
3- Tunisian People
Tunisians are outgoing, amiable, and welcoming. If you treat them with respect, they will accept you into their lives like a long-lost sibling or brother. It won’t take long to become friends with a local if you have a nice sense of humour and a grin on your face, and for that local to ask you to their house for supper. Generally speaking, Tunisians are extraordinarily sincere, kind, and curious about other cultures and nations. This is a major factor in why tourism has historically performed so successfully in this area.
Don’t be shocked if you receive an invitation to a friend’s or family member’s wedding; don’t be hesitant to accept; hospitality is one of Tunisia’s best qualities.
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4- Archaeological Sites
Tunisia has a lengthy and illustrious history. Numerous archaeological sites highlight Tunisia’s historical significance as a significant crossroads of civilizations.
Phoenician traders who later settled here first discovered Tunisia. The settlement grew into the heart of an empire that ruled over the Mediterranean Sea. History buffs will still admire the ruins of the old Cartage, which included Roman baths, a church, and an amphitheatre, despite the fact that hardly much of it remains now.
The nation is home to the best Roman ruins outside of Italy. Visit the cities of Dougga, Bulla Regea, and Chemtou in the northeast of the nation to see the vestiges of Roman civilization. Don’t overlook El Jem, a UNESCO-listed amphitheatre constructed in 238 AD.
El Jem Amphitheater
The third-largest amphitheatre in the world, after those in Rome and Capua, is located in the little hamlet of El Jem. If you choose to reserve hotels in Africa for your vacation, it is perhaps the most spectacular Roman monument you will ever see. You can obtain a fairly authentic impression of what the circus evenings were like with gladiators and wild animals battling on the beach thanks to the building’s arches, staircases, and underground rooms. The International Festival of Symphonic Music is held in July and August. The Vienna Opera Orchestra and Barbara Hendrix have both recently performed in this coliseum.
Carthage archaeological site
An ancient Punic city, now known as Carthage, was destroyed by the Romans and afterwards rebuilt. Its significance is still evident in the sheer number of these archaeological sites, which has led to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carthage’s history alone merits several chapters.
An ancient Punic city that was constructed in the ninth century BC and shined across Tunisia due to its prominence not only in the nautical but also in the economic and military spheres.
In what is known as the Punic Wars, the Romans initially invaded this city in 256 BC and often after that. At the conclusion of the three Punic Wars, the city was forced to submit to its enemies and was entirely destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC.
The Romans would reconstruct old Carthage using its ruins in AD 29. Carthage has only survived its remains, which are nonetheless worth visiting in spite of its former magnificence.
Dougga Archaeological Site
Dougga archaeological site of is undoubtedly the most prestigious archaeological site in Tunisia. Several factors combine to give it a special place in the Tunisian archaeological panorama: its location on a spur overlooking the rich valley of the Mejerdah (Thugga, in Libyan language, means greenery), the extent of the site which spreads over several tens of hectares and which covers several historical eras, the setting of vegetation – in particular this forest of olive trees several hundred years old – which surrounds it and, of course, the excellent state of conservation of most of the monuments which make up some of which, such as the capitol or the theatre, were “restored” during a campaign led after the First World War by prisoners of war.
5- The Mighty Sahara Desert
The raw purity of the desert, the invigorating air, the endless panoramas, and the beauty of light… The more constrictive and repressive contemporary life grows, the louder the cry of the Sahara becomes. Whether you want to camp out in the middle of the Tunisian Sahara, stay in a five-star hotel, or rent a campground with all the amenities, the desert environment promotes reflection. It comes to life on the back of a camel or when rushing through rugged terrain in a 4×4. Adrenaline addicts may also be able to experience the speed and excitement of extreme sports. Its amenities are amazing, but so are its uniqueness and diversity. The Tunisian Sahara is the ideal location for some unique encounters.
Douz, the Gate to the Desert
The Chott El-Jerid salt lake is a wonderful spot. Due to the reflection of the salt, sunlight causes an optical illusion on its surface, producing the hues white, purple, green, and pink. The city of Douz is located south of this lake, which is dry in the summer. It is referred to as the entryway to the desert and is an oasis with palm palms similar to those in picture books. If you want to travel into the Sahara Desert, you may start your Berber journey right here.
Most of the Sahara Desert tours in Tunisia start from Douz.
The Desert Activities
The greatest way to experience the desert is to spend the night there. Below are some ideas for some distinctive desert adventures. Those travellers who book through a travel agency should make sure their trip operator includes meals and camping supplies.
It is advised that travellers visit the Sahara Desert between October and May due to the extreme summer heat. The temperature increases as the period go on.
Arriving visitors in December or January should be ready for chilly evenings. It is crucial to wear warm clothing at night.
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset
In every region of the world, sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking, but there is something particularly special about how the warm hues of the sky colour the Sahara’s golden sand dunes. Similar to stargazing, the utter quiet at the start or end of the day is the ideal environment for taking in the kaleidoscope of colour that covers the Sahara Desert.
The sun sets at around 17:15 on the shortest winter days whereas it sets at roughly 19:30 during the summer.
Dining in the Sahara Desert
Over a bonfire that is kindled once dusk has fallen, dinner is made. To stay warm as the weather cools off, campers typically eat bowls of a straightforward stew and bread with steaming mugs of mint tea.
Stargazing in the Sahara
Stargazing is a suggested nocturnal pastime because of the lack of light pollution in the Sahara.
One of the most alluring sights the Sahara has to offer is the pitch-black sky strewn with stars.
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6- Sidi Bou Said
The Tunisian equivalent of the blue and white terraces is Sidi Bou Said. With every home constructed into the cliff and painted blue and white, this little community on Tunisia’s coast is reminiscent of Santorini’s coastline. When the weather is warm, the air is fragrant with fresh jasmine, and when you get to the top, you have a stunning view of the harbour and Mediterranean below. Numerous renowned cafes are located along the ascent, where you may pause for a coffee or a cup of hot mint tea. The walkways are lined with souvenir shops that offer everything from exquisite hand-painted pottery to affordable souvenirs.
7- Convenient Transportation
Tunisia is a convenient, comfortable, and reasonably affordable place to go. Additionally to domestic flights, car rentals, and taxis, Tunisia’s public transportation system is efficient, frequent, and reasonably priced.
You may take in breath-taking vistas of the Atlas Mountains, more than 800 kilometres of coastline, and the huge Sahara Desert no matter which mode of transportation you pick. This guide will outline your alternatives, including the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of transportation in Tunisia, as well as how to use them.
Move Around Tunisia by Train
In Tunisia, trains operate often from 5 a.m. until midnight and are quick, affordable, and practical. The main drawback is that they could get overcrowded. It is a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during the summer (you can only book within 3 days of departure).
Classe comfort, first class, and second class are the three car classes; however, certain fast trains only have one class of cars. Upgrades are worthwhile because the price difference isn’t that significant. Most trains are quite pleasant and have air conditioning.
Move Around Tunisia by Bus or Coach
There are yellow buses all across the city, but residents prefer them to visitors. This is due, in part, to the fact that the information (destination, place of departure, and route number) is frequently only shown in Arabic on many buses. English information is provided for the main well-known tourist routes.
The national bus company is called SNTRI. In all of Tunisia, it operates a fleet of contemporary, air-conditioned coaches connecting towns and cities. During the busiest times of the year, planning ahead is advised.
Move Around Tunisia by Taxi
By European and American standards, Tunisian taxis are quite affordable. They are all equipped with meters, and trips made between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. are 50% more expensive. Additionally, there is an additional fee for each item of luggage, however drivers frequently do not include it.
As some drivers try to charge inflated prices occasionally, be sure the driver utilizes the meter. When you set off, the base rate, which is 4.7DT, is shown as “4.700.” If it seems different, find out why.
Move Around Tunisia by Plane
Domestic flights are accessible from a number of locations in Tunisia, such as Tunis-Carthage International Airport.
Domestic and regional services from Tunis to Djerba, Sfax, Gafsa, Tabarka, Monastir, Tripoli, and Malta are served by Tunisair, the domestic airline.
Although you can’t make a reservation straight online, you can send a request for one or pay at the hotel. Additionally, there are travel agencies abroad that sell airline tickets.
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8- Shopping and Traditional Bazaars
Every Tunisian city has a central area of cobble-lined streets that are connected in various ways and are populated with vendors selling anything from spices and sweets to leather handbags and shisha bongs. It’s impossible to resist exploring Tunis’s famous souk for a real shopping experience. It’s very simple to get lost in the vast and perplexing area, but it doesn’t matter because every lane you turn down seems to offer something different. Everything is negotiable, and you can discover exquisitely designed jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs for comparatively low costs. Don’t be scared to test your negotiating prowess, but be sure to be cordial about it. Store owners are happy to offer discounts and freebies to customers they believe would return for more.
9- Mediterranean Climate
Tunisia has sunlight every day of the year. The Mediterranean climate, which is favourable and characterized by warm, sunny days, is present throughout the coast and is felt by the resorts that dot it.
May through October is prime swimming season. The water may reach 28 °C. Avoid the hottest months, July and August, if you don’t like the heat.
When the weather is nice and the sea is still warm, September and October are the greatest months for a coastal vacation. The best months to visit Tunisia for sightseeing are April and May.
10- Tunisian Hammams
You might get a fresh look thanks to the hammam. Although it may not have originated in Tunisia, the country has developed a thriving spa-hammam industry, which enhances Tunisia’s image. While some contend that the Movenpick hotel’s spa is superior to that of the Russellior hotel in Hammamet, others disagree (Sousse).
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